Apr.3 (GMM) During second practice at Sepang on Friday, McLaren issued a statement confirming that sporting director Dave Ryan has been suspended due to his role in the Lewis Hamilton/Jarno Trulli saga.

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh lauded the contribution to the Woking based team of the long-serving New Zealander, but said: "I suspended him this morning and he has accepted this."

Whitmarsh had told the press on Thursday that McLaren did not lie about the Melbourne safety car incident, but evidence provided by the FIA proved this was not the case.

Ryan left the Sepang circuit during the initial free practice on Friday.

Whitmarsh said: "His role in the events of last Sunday, particularly his dealings with the FIA stewards, has caused serious repercussions for the team, for which we apologise.